What British Travellers Need to Know About the EU’s New Entry-Exit System
From 12 October 2025, travel to Europe will feel a little different for British passport holders. The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) officially comes into effect, replacing traditional passport stamping with digital border checks that use fingerprints and photographs. It is the biggest change to European border procedures in decades, designed to make crossing borders safer, smarter, and more efficient.
But with innovation comes uncertainty. What does this mean for travellers heading to the Alps this winter, and how can we prepare for a smooth journey? For companies like Alpine Fleet, which connects airports such as Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble and Zürich to top ski resorts including Val d’Isère, Tignes and Morzine, understanding these changes is not just about logistics. It is about ensuring travellers get from plane to piste with confidence and ease.
How the Entry-Exit System Works
Under the EES, non-EU citizens, including UK nationals, will now be required to register their biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph) at the border when entering a participating Schengen country. The registration replaces the manual passport stamp and is valid for three years or until the traveller’s passport expires. Once registered, future trips become much faster, as only a quick passport scan and biometric verification will be needed.
The rollout is phased over six months, meaning requirements may differ between airports and border points until April 2026. Schengen countries covered by the new system include France, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, which are all popular gateways for Alpine travellers. Meanwhile, Ireland and Cyprus remain outside the scheme.
Travellers departing from the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel in Folkestone, or Eurostar at St Pancras International will notice that checks happen before departure, thanks to the UK’s juxtaposed border arrangements. In practical terms, this means British travellers will complete their EES registration before boarding.
At airports such as Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble, biometric checks will be handled upon arrival. Local airport authorities have already begun preparing for the transition, with new self-service kiosks and clear guidance in place. Geneva Airport has already installed self-service kiosks and issued travel guidance to help passengers prepare for the change. Travellers can review the latest local airport advice on the Geneva Airport website.
imilarly, Lyon Airport has shared practical information and traveller updates regarding the rollout of the system. Passengers flying into France can check the Lyon Airport EES guidance page before travelling.
For holidaymakers flying out for their ski trips, that could mean factoring in an extra few minutes at the border, but once completed, subsequent trips should be significantly faster.
How Governments Are Preparing Travellers for Change
Recognising that the EES marks a significant change in the travel experience, the UK government has stepped in to help ease the transition. A total of £10.5 million in funding has been provided to support infrastructure upgrades at key departure points including Eurostar, Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover. These updates are designed to help manage the new registration process efficiently and reduce potential bottlenecks.
The Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, emphasised that the UK and EU share a “common goal of secure, modern borders” and that the rollout has been designed to “minimise disruption for travellers while strengthening safety.” Similarly, the Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, Keir Mather, confirmed that coordination between UK and EU operators remains a top priority, especially at high-traffic locations like Dover and Folkestone.
The government’s public information campaign, launched in autumn 2025, aims to keep travellers informed about what to expect. Guidance has been distributed through travel operators, social media channels and government websites, while airports and transport hubs across the UK and EU are displaying updated signage and instructions. Full details and official updates can be found on the UK Government’s announcement on the Entry/Exit System.
For Alpine Fleet passengers, this collaboration between governments and transport providers means that even during the initial adjustment period, travel to the Alps remains efficient and reliable. By offering frequent shared and private transfer services, Alpine Fleet ensures that whether you are landing in Geneva or Lyon, the onward journey to resorts like Val Thorens, Courchevel or Meribel stays on track, even as border procedures evolve.
What Travellers Should Do Before and During Their Journey
For most travellers, no action is needed before travelling. Registration under the EES takes place automatically at the EU border, whether that is before departure (at Dover or St Pancras) or upon arrival (at Geneva or Lyon).
Officials estimate the process will take one to two minutes per person, though during busy holiday periods, queues could be longer. The best advice is to plan ahead, allow extra time and stay informed by checking GOV.UK or the FCDO Travel Aware pages for the latest updates before you set off.
Once registered, you will not need to repeat the process for your next ski season getaway, making future trips faster and simpler.
Who Is Exempt from the New Rules
Not everyone will be affected. British citizens with Withdrawal Agreement residence documents, or those holding dual UK-EU nationality and travelling on an EU passport, are exempt from EES registration. Children under 12 will not have their fingerprints taken, though they will still need a photograph recorded.
The UK is also introducing its own Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, a digital pre-travel approval for visitors entering the UK who do not require a visa. Together, these systems represent the next phase in Europe’s move toward digitally secure and streamlined travel.
Adapting to the Future of Travel
Borders are changing, but travel does not have to be stressful. The EU’s Entry/Exit System is more than a new checkpoint; it is part of a global shift toward smarter, faster and safer travel. For British skiers heading to the Alps, a little awareness goes a long way.
By planning ahead, arriving prepared and travelling with trusted partners like Alpine Fleet, you can navigate Europe’s new border procedures with ease, ensuring your journey remains as smooth as your descent down the mountain.
